My Guinness World Record Experience in Kuchipudi Dance 💃

 My Guinness World Record Experience in Kuchipudi Dance 💃

I think I've already mentioned that I'm a classical dancer, and I also participated in a Guinness World Record event. Today, I want to share a special moment about receiving my certificate for that achievement.

The largest Kuchipudi dance, Maha Brinda Natyam, consisted of 5,794 participants, including myself. It was organized by Silicon Andhra during the 3rd International Kuchipudi Dance Convention at the Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India, on December 25th, 2012.

This experience is one I’ll never forget. The event lasted for three days—two days of intense practice sessions, followed by the grand performance on the final night. The atmosphere was electric! Thousands of dancers performing together, the synchronized rhythm of our anklets, the classical music filling the stadium—oh my god, I can still picture it vividly! Being part of such a huge event was surreal, and I owe it all to my mother. It was her dream, her vision, and her persistence that led me to this stage.

During those three days, we also had the privilege of watching performances by renowned classical dancers like Shobha Naidu garu and a disciple of Vempati Chinna Satyam, though I can't remember her name. Sadly, back then, we didn’t have the luxury of smartphones or cameras to capture those moments. Years later, I found myself angry with my mom, saying, "I've given so many stage performances at various venues, during festivals, at temples—and yet we have no photos!"

Of course, back then we didn’t have the means to document every moment, but now I realize how much I wish we had. It’s ironic—today, we have fancy smartphones, but sometimes we’re too busy or distracted to capture the meaningful moments of life.

What do you think? Do you feel the same way about missing those precious memories from the past?

pooja mattapalli